One of the most exciting players in the Midwest for the class of 2011 is Shaquille Washington of Maple Heights High School in Ohio. SpartanMag.com caught up with the dynamic recruit earlier and got the latest on his offers and recruitment.

One of the most exciting players in the Midwest for the class of 2011 is Shaquille Washington of Maple Heights High School in Ohio. SpartanMag.com caught up with the dynamic recruit earlier and got the latest on his offers and recruitment.Washington is a 5-foot-9, 160-pound prospect that has been making jaw-dropping plays the last few years in high school. Last fall while playing quarterback for his Maple Heights team, Washington passed for over 2,500 and rushed for another 1,700 rushing yards. He ended up accounting for 49 touchdowns on the season.

OhioVarsity.com had the following to say about Washington:Washington is one of the most entertaining players to watch in the state and he made plays all last season that left you awed. He was a threat to take it to the house every time he got his hands on the ball and often did so. Maple Heights literally rode his coattails to the state championship game, as Washington -time and time again -made big plays when the Mustangs needed him most.There have been some reports on the Internet that Michigan State has extended Washington a scholarship. We asked him about his current offers and the teams that are expressing the most interest.

"I have 8 offers right now," Washington said. I have scholarships from Illinois, Iowa State Air Force and Duke. I feel schools like Ohio State, Michigan state, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Boston College North Carolina and Oregon might be close to offering."

At 5-foot-9, 160-pound Washington does not have the size to play the same position he plays in high school. However, most teams are not concerned with that fact and they all see him doing the same thing in college.

I want to play wide receiver in college and that is the position all the teams are recruiting me for, Washington said. They also want me to be returning kicks and punts."

Washington indicated that he has interest in Michigan State and was thinking about trying to visit soon.

Coach Narduzzi is my recruiter. I have not been up there yet. I was going to try and go up there this weekend and check out the Rivals 5-Star Academy, but I have a banquet on Saturday."

If Washington is unable to make it up to Michigan State this weekend, he will likely hit campus another time. He indicated that he plans on trying to check out some spring practices and games in the coming weeks and he will also be on the Raw Talent Bus Tour that will be hitting colleges all over the country.

One of the reasons that Washington is being so active in checking out colleges is that he wants to make his decision either prior to his senior year or early in the fall.

"My plan is to graduate next winter so I can enroll early," he said.

Washington attended the U.S Army All-American Combine don in San Antonio, Texas back in January and he had a solid performance there. Spartsnmag.com saw him in action and Washington was one of the toughest players to check off the line. He was named one of the top performing wipeouts at the event.

When Washington does step on Michigan State's campus, Spartanmag.com will be sure to get his thoughts on the school and the football program.

Matt Dorsey Take:

Washington is not the biggest players, but he packs plenty of talent. Interestingly teams like Ohio State, USC and Miami of Florida have already offered 5-foot-7, 155-pound Shane Wynn of Glenville. The talent difference between the two players is slight if any. Keep in mind Washington clocked an incredible 3.89 shuttle last year at a NIKE Camp and has clocked a 4.47 in the forty-yard dash.

When and if Washington gets offered will likely depend on when he makes it to campus. As many know Mark Dantonio likes to offer players in person. He also likes to have prospect come to camp and go against other top prospects. Washington enjoys showcasing his abilities so it would not surprise SpartanMag.com if he stops into the Michigan State camp even if he already has an offer just for the competition.